Cursed Lycan's Scarred Mate
Chapter 40: A hint of jealousy

Chapter 40: A hint of jealousy

When Ronan reached the area where he tied the horses’ reins to a thick bark tree, he set Vivian briefly on her feet only to lift her from the waist and assist her in mounting the black horse.

The she-wolf, having grown an attachment to the animal in a short space of time, leaned forward in the saddle and wrapped her arms around its neck in relief. And as if sensing her woes and distress, the horse neighed in delight at her return.

Ronan scowled with a glint of disapproval flashing in his deep amber eyes, crossing his arms over his chest as he looked away.

Why did she like that damn horse so much?

He should have let the animal run off without tracking it and recapturing it. It would have been more convenient and preferable if she rode on his back in Lycan form.

Normally, his Lycan half wouldn’t have evaded the current opportunity to pass a witty or sarcastic remark against his jealousy. However, the beast had gone awfully quiet.

Any attempts to establish communication with his Lycan seemed futile. Was the beast exhausted, or did the Moonbind Draught’s effects meddle in their connection to each other?

Now was not the time to dwell on the specifics.

The poisonous potion had already invaded his body, and the effects were still at their peak. If he didn’t reach Sabre Coven at the earliest, he’d lose consciousness, and Vivian would be forced to defend herself from whatever or whomever would take advantage of that vulnerability.

Ronan mounted the black horse behind Vivian, his arm instantly wrapping around her waist from behind to tug her back against his chest.

Vivian relaxed against him, comforted by the warmth and support his sturdy body offered her.

"Do you like him that much?" Ronan asked with a hint of annoyance in his tone, snapping the horse’s reins lightly to ride at a steady pace while the white horse followed beside them.

"Like who?" Vivian tilted her head back to look up at him.

"The damn horse," Ronan responded through clenched teeth, and his evident jealousy threw Vivian into a fit of laughter.

The Lycan Alpha was taken over by a sense of embarrassment, clenching his jaw to hide his reaction.

"I do like him," Vivian said, calming down a moment later. "Haven’t thought of a name yet."

"How much do you like him?" Ronan pressed for more details.

Why was he jealous of the stupid horse anyway?

"I like him a lot," Vivian answered, fondly brushing through the horse’s mane with her fingers as she smiled. "He’s strong, handsome, big, and protective."

Ronan carefully assessed those four characteristics she mentioned. Didn’t they fit him? Or was he getting ahead of himself?

It was only natural that she was truly referring to the horse and not him. After all, Vivian fancied his Lycan half more than she acknowledged or bothered with Ronan himself.

As Madame Sunny Shu had remarked, he wasn’t exactly the smoothest man when it involved wooing ladies. Naturally, Vivian bore valid reason to dislike him or find him unbearable.

If she fancied a horse and his Lycan more than she did him, then so be it.

On the contrary, he wasn’t quite content with dismissing the incident that just occurred. For certain, Vivian was withholding information and answers from him, but she was in a fragile state.

Sooner or later, he would press for more answers.

Ronan’s arm remained firm around her waist for the duration of their journey. Even when she’d comfortably fallen asleep, his arm never abandoned her.

His mind would forever be etched with the look of fear and devastation she greeted him with when he found her.

Just what did the Wickans do that terrified her so much this time?

Ronan reserved the contemplations for later. His body grew heavier and weaker by the minute, but his gratitude beamed in his eyes when he noticed they were rather close to Sabre Coven’s residence.

Vivian stirred, awakened by an instinct that only fuelled her anxiety as they drew closer to the Wickan territory.

Covens generally shared close ties.

Sable Coven might have known Alexa.

Either they would have no wish to involve themselves in healing Vivian’s suffering or they might desire to see what had been done to her to completion.

Neither boded well for Vivian

But then there was Ronan.

Who would dare have the audacity to defy a cursed Lycan Alpha?

"The main Coven house is just over here," Ronan said, pointing to where a plume of smoke rose above the trees.

"Don’t look so worried," the Lycan Alpha added.

Vivian swallowed hard but didn’t dare to voice her endless reservations. The herbal ointment was once again unable to completely negate the pain and burns of the Wickan symbols, and it was wearing off faster than before.

Not to mention the fact that she was completely exhausted by the constant resurgence of pain and that Alaric had somehow accelerated her dying condition.

"Someone is approaching," Ronan alerted. He pulled back the reins of the horse, swiftly unmounting and then helping Vivian off.

The Lycan Alpha strode forward to greet the approaching presence, and Vivian trotted after his footsteps.

When a man with shoulder-length blonde hair and piercing blue eyes appeared at the edge of the trees, Vivian shadowed behind Ronan.

Judging by the man’s pristine black coat and inside doublet and the rune markings on his neck, undoubtedly, he was a high-ranking Wickan.

Like all Wickans, regardless of age, he appeared youthful with a chiselled jawline and sharp features. His blonde hair was tousled in untamed ways, and a cynical grin appeared on his lips.

Wary, although he’d been acquainted with the man judging by the flash of recognition in his eyes, Ronan ushered Vivian behind him. He held her hand tightly, offering the protection of the large expanse of his back if it would comfort her in any way.

The Wickan would know the second he caught sight of the marks on Vivian’s face, what had been done to her.

"Soran," Ronan addressed the Wickan, raising a hand in greeting.

"Wolfsbane," the man answered back. We weren’t expecting you." Soran’s intrusive gaze lingered on Ronan shortly before trailing to the trembling Vivian clinging to the Lycan Alpha’s arm as if it were her lifeline. "Who is that with you?"

Ronan slowly reached behind for Vivian’s arm, gently prompting her to appear in front of him. He draped his forearm across her chest, tugging her back.

"She is my mate, Vivian," Ronan replied without hesitation. "We’re in need of help."

Vivian saw the Wickan’s eyes widen as he took in both Ronan’s words and Vivian’s appearance.

"Who?" Soran asked.

"Estwood Coven."

"Alexa? She bit her?" Soran took a wary step back, eyeing Vivian with the beginnings of disgust.